Preview: Offwell Rangers v Town

Town, this week without gaffer Stuart Murray, head to Offwell Rangers in search of their first victory of the year.

LAST FIVE GAMES

Offwell Rangers: LLDLW

Bradninch Town: DDLDW

THE LAST TIME WE MET

When the two sides met at Kensham Park on the 1st of December, the spoils were shared as the sides drew 2-2. A brace from Eliot Acton put Bradninch two goals ahead but for two goals in the last five minutes for Offwell which denied Town all three points.

PREVIEW

Town, now led by newly re-appointed skipper Will Birley, have somewhat turned a corner since the turn of the year with two convincing points accumulated thus far.

The return of Charlie Leisk to the Town squad has been well received from the Ninch faithful as he solidifies his position in the midfield three. It must also be mentioned that the goalkeeping addition of Alan Rodgers has been what would appear to be a great signing, with the shot-stopper pulling off some remarkable saves last week in the clash against Exeter United.

Despite going two goals ahead (through King and Shrewsberry) against United, Town were unable to hold on after a second half full of non-stop pressure from the Hamlin Lane outfit.

Here’s what gaffer Stuart Murray had to say on last weeks result:

“I think it was a fair result in the end. Yes, we went two goals up but we couldn’t get out of our half in the second period of the game and that in the end, cost us. Despite it feeling like more points dropped, I’m delighted with the new positive attitude in the changing room. We’re bouncing back that’s for sure.”

TEAM NEWS

Jordan Biss remains sidelined due to the shoulder injury that he picked up early on in the season. However, returning to action this week is Eliot Acton, Tim Piper, Owen Buxton, Matt Leaney and Josh England.

Eliot Acton, the teams leading goalscorer with seven goals in nine appearances, will be relishing the opportunity after having a few weeks off Skiing with teammate Tim Piper.

Dropping out of the side from last weekends result is young Josh Wright as he is unavailable.

WORDS FROM THE SKIPPER

“We’re in a good place. I’ve spoken with all of the boys and basically told them that we’re starting a fresh this year. We’ve regrouped and are slowly but surely rebuilding to perform to a better standard than what we were earlier in the season.

We’ve recently started a new training regime where we’re actually working on things rather than just having a kick-around. It’s always difficult to implement that kind of thing at such a low level of football, but the boys have really taken it on and they seem to be not just enjoying it, but also developing from it.

There’s a few lads that are slowly coming into match fitness, Jovi Jenkins and Danny Cork both have started to look really sharp in training lately and I’m certain they will soon be ready to step up on a Saturday and show the league what they can do.

We know that it’s about rebuilding now. We’re not being unrealistic with our targets. I’m confident in who we have in our squad, and the atmosphere is really starting to improve. We’ll be back to our best soon, I’m sure.”

All are welcome to make the trip to support the lads in Offwell tomorrow afternoon as Town, this week led by John King and Jonny Reed, will be looking to strike victory for the first time in 2019.